XERJOFF
40 KNOTS
2012
Woody Notes
Cedarwood
Salt
Sea water
Green Notes
‘In keeping with the rare nature of these scents, ingredients are kept a closely guarded secret, instead inviting the wearer to immerse themselves in the imagined world. Be transported to the luxurious yachting lifestyle on the mesmerising Mediterranean sea with 40 Knots. Colourful marine life, the glistening rays of the sun and the taste of freedom that comes from the open water is bottled in this highly unique Xerjoff perfume.’ – Xerjoff
40 Knots is actually the first ‘aquatic’ fragrance that I 100% loved and that has been in collection for a longer time. Straight from the opening it’s a perfect balance of woody and salty ‘sea breeze’. It feels very liquid and smooth to me. Not everyone will consider this aquatic, but I surely do.
The woods to my nose are hard to distinguish; I don’t specifically get the cedar, which is one of only few notes listed. Instead, it reminds me of two things: Driftwood, probably just because of the sea breeze added to it, and lacquered, varnished hard wood. The latter is probably a connection I make, because my grandparents used to have a boat and ran a bar for fishermen, both of which bring back memories of that sort of wood.
The saltiness creates the magic; it’s one of the best renditions of an aquatic saltiness that I’ve come across. It does not conjure up warm or sweaty skin, nor does it feel edible; it’s actual salty water. Aside from that, there’s a dewy green, but still ozonic tinge.
As I’ve worn this over the past years I get more and more a hint of rose coming through. Although rose is not listed as a note and not as strong, I 100% feel like it’s in this composition.
Lastly, I have to mention the performance. For a scent that’s perfectly suitable for Summer time, 40 Knots is an absolutely beast of a performer. Both projection and longevity are among the best I’ve encountered for this style of fragrance.
Sidenote: Some people might consider this blasphemy, but 40 Knots is what I wished Dior Ambre Nuit was when I tried that for the first time. They are often compared, but they are not nearly identical. There are similarities, but as many stark differences as well: Ambre Nuit being much more subtle and I barely or at all get any ambergris-like aquatic nuances from it. 40 Knots turns the marine vibe and the performance all the way up.
